Perceived orthodontist behaviors that predict patient satisfaction, orthodontist-patient relationship, and patient adherence in orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontist-patient relationships have significant effects on the success of orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of patient-perceived orthodontist behaviors on (a) patient perceived orthodontist-patient relationship, (b) patient satisfaction, and (c) orthodontist-evaluated patient adherence or compliance in orthodontic treatment. The sample consisted of 199 orthodontic patients, 94 boys and 105 girls, ages 8 to 17 years, who were recruited at the beginning of orthodontic treatment by a member of the research team who was not involved in treating the patients. The patients were asked to complete standardized questionnaires in a room away from the orthodontic clinic, 8 to 12 months into treatment. At the same time, the orthodontic resident treating each patient completed a standard instrument that evaluated patient compliance. Orthodontist behavior items such as politeness, friendliness, communicativeness, and empathy were evaluated by the patients. Stepwise multiple regression analyses (p < 0.05) showed that eight behaviors predicted perception of the orthodontist-patient relationship (final model R2 = 0.7930 and 0.7333) as well as patient satisfaction (final model R2 = 0.7952) and two behaviors predicted patient compliance (final model R2 = 0.0986). Of the 24 orthodontist behaviors, 22 were significantly correlated (p < 0.0001) with favorable orthodontist-patient relationship and patient satisfaction. Of the 24 behaviors, 10 were significantly correlated (five at p < 0.01 and five at p < 0.05) with patient compliance. Patient-perceived orthodontist behaviors are related to and predict (1) patient perceived orthodontist-patient relationship, (2) patient satisfaction, and (3) orthodontist-evaluated patient adherence or compliance.